Definition:

ras gene family (... jeen FA-mih-lee)

A family of genes that may cause cancer when they are mutated (changed). They make proteins that are involved in cell signaling pathways, cell growth, and apoptosis (cell death). Agents that block the actions of a mutated ras gene or its protein may stop the growth of cancer. Members of the ras gene family include Kras, Hras, and Nras.